Phagwara, Sep 29 — Lovely Professional University (LPU) Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal on Tuesday blamed "outsiders" and "anti-social elements" for the violent protests and vandalism at the university campus in Punjab's Phagwara and called the sexual assault allegations that triggered the demonstration "social media rumours".
Speaking to IANS, Prof Lakhanpal said: "I would describe it—more or less—as a situation where rumours and misleading messages were circulated; the students genuinely wanted to know the facts. But on the other hand, some students didn't want to think or understand the situation."
"They were looking for an opportunity...I always refer to them as anti-social elements or outsiders—those who turned this into a violent protest and vandalised our university. Investigation must be conducted; their names should be revealed, and appropriate action must be taken," he said.
However, said that the student representatives are also looking into the matter.
"We have stood by them from the very first night, listening to their concerns and acting exactly as they requested. They wanted a committee formed, so we selected one; they wanted to review CCTV footage...we took whatever immediate action the students sought, such as hostel visits. We addressed all the anticipated issues," he stated.
Referring to the protest reels on social media, the Dean said: "Our senior students and alumni feel hurt and distressed that such vandalism took place at the campus, which should not have happened."
Regarding who circulated the message that a female student was sexually assaulted, he said that the police are investigating it.
"The details will emerge through the due process involving the cyber cell or the police; that will clarify everything. It will reveal the phone numbers, IP addresses, and locations involved in the circulation. And I am sure that action will be taken against those involved," Lakhanpal said.
On why it took time for the university to reach a solution the students could agree on, the Dean said the "genuine students" were already satisfied, as they knew progress was being made and the investigation was moving forward.
"However, I believe there was a conspiracy behind this to disrupt the academic atmosphere. Because we also observed the presence of outsiders and anti-social elements. So, the reason was that they didn't want the matter to be resolved," he alleged.
Moreover, Sorabh Lakhanpal said it would be better if the CBI takes up a probe into the matter.
"Let the police carry out their inquiry—we are fine with that. But if the CBI investigates, we would feel more assured. And it would help in reaching those involved as quickly as possible."
When asked about whether the police have found out the involvement of "outsiders", he said: "The police were somewhat negligent, which is why such a major incident occurred—fire broke out, vehicles were torched, and stones were pelted."
Responding to allegations that LPU was targeted after its founder and chancellor, Ashok Mittal, switched from the AAP to the BJP, Lakhanpal sought an investigation.
"This matter certainly needs to be investigated. I am confident that through the investigations conducted by the police, civil administration, and university administration, we will get to the bottom of this; once the facts are established, appropriate action must be taken against those found guilty," he said.
LPU Dean further said that though classes are currently suspended for 10 days following the violent protests, they will resume soon, and the varsity will ensure the syllabus does not suffer.